Striking Voisey's Bay workers vote on proposal

Striking employees at the Voisey's Bay Nickel mine in Labrador are voting on an agreement proposed by a provincially appointed industrial inquiry commission.

The 130 workers at thenickel mine, represented by the United Steelworkers Union, have been on strike since August 2009. Sometimes acrimonious talks, which have been on and off since then, collapsed again last Thursday.

The mine is owned by brazil-based Vale, formerly known as Vale Inco. Vale says it will only accept a deal negotiated directly with the union.

Last October, when it appeared the dispute was deadlocked, former premier Danny Williams order an industrial inquiry commission to look into the strike and report its findings.

The commission's report and proposed settlement were released last week.

The commission doesn't have the power to impose an agreement but it has encouraged both sides to accept the terms it is suggesting to end the dispute.

It called on both sides to compromise.

The main sticking point is the length of the new contract offer. The union was seeking a five-year agreement. Vale offered a three-year deal.

The company fears a longer contract will allow Labrador workers to tie their negotiating schedule to that of other Vale nickel-mine workers in Sudbury, greatly increasing their bargaining power.

The commission recommended a four-year contract.

Union officials are scheduled to fly to the north coast of Labrador to explain the details to members. Voteresults are expected to be released Friday.